Mobile television ( TV ) is a relatively new and unknown field of communication. Thus, role players in this field of communication find themselves in a new context for relationship. This raises the question as to what the key challenges in the relationship between content providers and users in mobile TV involve. More specifically, the following questions should be answered. Does mobile TV display particular characteristics of new media? If so, then how could content providers meet the challenge of understanding the user profile in mobile TV as a new medium? Also, how could content providers meet the challenge of adapting content provision according to the user experience of mobile TV as a new medium? This research paper explores these questions through means of an explorative literature study of relevant sources. Firstly, it provides a conceptual framework of mobile TV as well as an understanding of mobile TV within the greater context of new media. Secondly, it presents a means to understand the user profile in mobile N as a new medium. Lastly, it presents practical aspects that need to be considered when providing content for mobile TV as a new medium. The findings of the study can be summarised as follows: (a) Mobile TV portrays particular new media characteristics, such as, digitalisation, interactivity, hypertext, dispersal and virtuality. (b) A market-led approach should be employed in order to understand the user profile. (c) Mobile N content production should be integrated into the production process with the requirement that it is of a high quality and meets the technical and feasible limitations of the medium. / Thesis (M.A. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

This thesis describes the results of the experimental investigations into some new geometrical configurations in plate-like structures materialising one-dimensional (1D) acoustic black holes for flexural waves (wedges of power-law profile) and two-dimensional (2D) acoustic black holes for flexural waves (circular indentations of power-law profile). Such acoustic black holes allow the user to reduce the amplitudes of the vibration responses of plate-like structures to a maximum effect, while not increasing the mass of the structures. This thesis also suggests some new real world practical applications for this damping technique. Initially, the effects of geometrical and material imperfections on damping flexural vibrations in plates with attached wedges of power-law profile (1D black holes) were investigated, demonstrating that this method of damping is robust enough for practical applications. Then, damping of flexural vibrations in turbofan blades with trailing edges tapered according to a power-law profile has been investigated. In addition, experimental investigations into power-law profiled slots within plates have been also conducted. Another important configuration under investigation was that of circular indentations (pits) of power-law profile within the plate. In the case of quadratic or higher-order profiles, such indentations materialise 2D acoustic black holes for flexural waves. To increase the damping efficiency of power-law profiled indentations, the absorption area has been enlarged by increasing the size of the central hole in the pit, while keeping the edges sharp. The next step of investigation in this thesis was using multiple indentations of power-law profile (arrays of 2D black holes). It was shown that not only do multiple indentations of power-law profile provide substantial reduction in the damping of flexural vibrations, but also a substantial reduction in radiated sound power. The experimental results have been obtained also for a cylindrical plate incorporating a central hole of quadratic profile. They are compared to the results of numerical predictions, thus validating the results and the experimental technique. Investigations into the effects of indentations of power-law profile made in composite plates and panels and their subsequent inclusion into composite honeycomb sandwich panels are also reported. These indentations again act as 2D acoustic black holes for flexural waves and they effectively damp flexural vibrations within the panels. It was also demonstrated that these indentations can be enclosed in smooth surfaced panels and that no additional damping layer is required to induce the acoustic black hole effect in composite structures. In conclusion, it has been confirmed in this thesis that one and two-dimensional acoustic black holes represent an effective method of damping flexural vibrations and reducing the associated structure-borne sound. Furthermore, this thesis has shown that acoustic black holes can be efficiently employed in practical applications, such as trailing edges of jet engine fan blades, composite panels, and composite honeycomb sandwich structures.

In this thesis I address the problem of determining fracture properties of subsurface rocks from geophysical surface seismic and vertical seismic profile (VSP) data. In the first part of this thesis I perform multi-attribute analysis, including frequency content, amplitude, travel time and angle of rotation studies on field VSP data from two different carbonate fields, both containing time-lapse surveys. I compare the findings to independent data available in the region and find that the interpreted fracture orientations from the attribute analyses correlate with independent fracture studies in the area, the principal axis of major faults, or the maximum horizontal stress of the area studied. Although I show the existence of these correlations, due to the limited knowledge of the rock properties, these correlations are only qualitative. A more robust inversion of fracture properties requires more knowledge of the physical properties of the medium and forward modelling of the seismic response. A rock physics theory would be required to model the elastic response of the fractured rock; hence a more quantitative fracture characterisation is necessary. In the second part of this thesis I address this need by developing and testing a method for fracture density inversion. Linearised approximations are commonly used in azimuthal amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis. However, these approximations perform poorly at large angles of incidence where the effect of fractures is more significant. The method proposed here uses a model based approach that does not use these approximations but calculates the exact azimuthal AVO response based on prior knowledge of the elastic constants of the medium, assumed to be known, and a range of fracture densities. A rock physics theory is used for modelling the elastic constants of the fractured rock. I then create a linearized relationship for a specific model that separates the effect due to fracture density from the modelled AVOZ responses. This separation is key to the method, as it provides both a new set of orthogonal basis functions that can be used to express the AVOZ response of field data, and a set of coefficients that are related to fracture density. In general, the inversion is based on these coefficients. The coefficient or coefficients which present the highest correlation with fracture density must be determined on a case by case basis, as they will vary depending on the contrast between the elastic constants across the boundary of interest. I develop and test the method on synthetic surface seismic data and then apply it to seismic data acquired from a laboratory-scale physical geological model. Due to the prior knowledge of the rock properties and structure of the physical geological model, I am able to corroborate that the inverted fracture density from the seismic data matches that of the physical model within the error. I compare the inversion for two different levels of uncertainty in the velocities and densities of the modelled reflection coefficients and show that the inversion results are more precise and accurate when there is less uncertainty in the rock properties of the modelled reflection coefficients. In both the synthetic and physical geological model studies I find that the inversion is optimal for a certain range of offsets/angles of incidence. This means that the optimal range for inversion must be found on a case by case basis, as it depends on the behaviour of the data. Finally, as the inversion relies on the input modelled azimuthal AVO curves, a careful choice of the input rock properties is essential for the inversion process. The inverted fracture density values will only be valid if the rock properties of the field data fall within the range of the modelled ones. This is a limitation of the method, as adequate knowledge of the rock properties is not always available.

Heartwood is the dead, inner layers of wood in the tree which no longer transport water. It is usually dark in colour and has increased decay-resistance compared to the sapwood. Heartwood forms in the transition zone when the ray cells die and deposit chemical extractives in the surrounding xylem. These chemicals convey natural durability which is of value to the forest and timber industry. Despite its value the formation of heartwood is poorly understood. The objective of this PhD is to improve our understanding of heartwood formation in Sitka spruce and Scots pine, the most widely planted species in Britain. Separating heartwood and sapwood at the sawmill can increase timber value due to differences in wood properties. The amount of heartwood varies both with height within, and between trees. Empirical models were developed to describe heartwood and sapwood distribution by diameter, area and ring number 1) within any wood disc 2) with height in the standing tree using taper functions, and 3) its variation between trees. Models will be incorporated into wood quality models to optimise heartwood utilisation. According to pipe theory a certain area of sapwood sustains a volume of canopy, with redundant sapwood converted to heartwood. Sap flux was examined across the sapwood and transition zone in Sitka spruce to understand water transport in relation to heartwood formation and identify seasonal change in transport in the transition zone. Results suggest that the transition zone ceases water transport around dormancy and the amount of heartwood formed may be driven by new wood formation, maintaining sapwood depth. Heartwood formation is a seasonal process, however this has not been confirmed in Sitka spruce or Scots pine, or under UK climatic conditions. Seasonal variation in carbon dioxide and ethylene production by the transition zone were measured to identify the time of heartwood formation, which was late summer through dormancy, consistent with published literature. The role of ethylene in heartwood formation is confirmed. Heartwood formation is an active developmental process, a form of programmed cell death, and as such must be carefully regulated temporally and spatially. Regulation by phytohormones has been proposed but not confirmed. Screening for a broad range of phytohormones during the proposed season of heartwood formation identified an increase in abscisic acid and a decrease in auxin concentration in the transition zone. Abscisic acid, auxin and ethylene also regulate xylogenesis, therefore the same signals that initiate cambial dormancy may also provide the temporal regulation of heartwood formation. The results of this PhD will optimise the use of heartwood in Sitka spruce and Scots pine in the UK and contribute towards selective tree breeding for increased heartwood volume worldwide.

When offenders commit crime there is the potential that they may leave behind trace amounts of their DNA, even when there has been no apparent body fluid spill. During the examination of crime scenes, scene investigators try to identify areas that may be sampled to locate these traces. Specialist techniques are then required within the laboratory to enable such small amounts to be analysed to obtain a profile. These techniques are referred to as Low Template DNA analysis (LTDNA), of which Low Copy Number DNA (LCN DNA) is one instance. In 2008, following the Omagh Bombing trial, and comments made by Judge Weir, the UK Forensic Regulator commissioned a review of the science of LTDNA analysis. The subsequent report made specific mention of the fact that there was no available information on the success rate of the use of such DNA techniques and that there seemed to be confusion over what constituted a success. The report went on to state that there was no information on where such trace amounts of DNA were likely to be found, or what factors could influence the likelihood of obtaining a trace DNA profile (Caddy, 2008). This research considered the outcomes of LCN DNA analysis from 3,552 samples to try to establish where trace amounts of DNA could be found, whether some areas sampled were more successful in generating profiles than others, and the likelihood of the profiles obtained being of use to a criminal investigation. Analysis of results identified areas that were more successful in generating profiles of use to an investigation and highlighted significant differences in results across a variety of items from which samples were taken. DNA samples taken from items associated with communication such as mobile phones were much more likely to produce a profile useful to a criminal investigation than those taken from fixed surfaces within premises. The results obtained showed that obtaining a DNA profile did not necessarily correlate with the profile being of use to a criminal investigation. This was due to the fact that a large number of these profiles were anticipated eliminations from legitimate sources. Items that produced high numbers of profiles but were anticipated eliminations, and therefore of no value to an investigation, came from items associated with skin samples and clothing. The research went further to identify key factors that affected the profiling rates. Factors that had a positive influence on the ability to obtain a profile included: any area that had been in close proximity to saliva (direct contact was not required); samples that had been recovered from the inside of premises or vehicles and therefore protected from the elements; those that were dry; items that were of a porous nature; and those that had a rough texture. No differences were found between the actual surface materials (plastic, glass, wood, metal), as all showed a propensity to generate profiles. Other factors that were considered but proved to have no effect on the profiling rates included seasonal differences and whether the area targeted for sampling was clearly defined. Items that had had high contact with a victim, were recovered from outside or had been wet, all proved to be less useful to an nvestigation. A further finding of the research was that swabs that had been recovered and stored frozen appeared to deteriorate in their ability to profile. This was particularly notable if they were submitted later than 5 months after recovery. Items stored in dry conditions did not deteriorate in this way. Overall the research can be used to provide investigators with the knowledge of what areas of crime scenes are most likely to yield trace DNA material, the key factors that can affect the likelihood of obtaining a profile, and those areas that are more likely to produce profiles useful to criminal investigations.

This report covers the product development process of a C-profile forming a box beam for use in storage systems. The company Brännehylte Lagersystem AB is in need of a new box beam that in pair can handle a maximum load of 4000 kg (four pallets x 1000 kg). At present the company has only one beam capable of a maximum load of 4x800 kg and wants to expand its product range and develop as a company and compete with others in the storage systems market. The first step began with acquiring information on the different beams and how they behave under stress. Then began a combination of brainstorming and brainwriting to generate a number of concepts of how a C-profile could possibly look like. After screening of the different concepts using Gut-feeling method three most appropriate concepts were left and were pitted against each other in a Pugh Matrix to get the best possible C-profile for further development. Calculations and tests were done on the selected concept with a combination of elementary cases and SolidWorks. For the beam to be approved it must meet the EU standard for storage racks. The calculated beam resulted in a working beam in theory, which in turn must be produced to confirm that the theory is true. Because a prototype must be produced in order to confirm the results, then the work cannot be proven in practical example and only be proven in theory.

Selective eating (SE) refers to an individual narrowing their range of preferred foods, resulting in a restricted food intake, high levels of rigidity and food refusal (Bryant-Waugh, 2000). SE is encompassed in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-V) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) category avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). Such difficulties are common in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Raiten & Massaro, 1986) and neuropsychological differences have been found in children with ASD (Hill, 2004). This research aimed to be the first to investigate whether a distinct neuropsychological profile exists in children and adolescents with SE and furthermore, whether aspects of the profile vary depending on whether the child or adolescent displays elevated autistic traits. A case series of 10 children between the ages of 8 to 13 years old were recruited. A well-established neuropsychological test battery, the Ravello Profile (Rose, Frampton & Lask, 2012), was modified and administered to assess visuospatial processing, central coherence, executive functions (including cognitive flexibility, inhibition and planning) and theory of mind abilities. The results demonstrated a high degree of variability across the group in terms of visuospatial processing and theory of mind, weak central coherence across all participants and otherwise relatively intact abilities in executive function domains. There were no substantive findings in relation to those children with elevated autistic traits although a trend toward visuospatial processing differences did emerge. This exploratory case series was the first attempt to describe a neuropsychological profile in SE, however the small sample size and high variability in the data meant that a distinct neuropsychological profile did not emerge. The results did however provide an initial indication of possible trends in strengths and weaknesses across neuropsychological domains in SE. These findings have implications for the assessment and treatment of SE difficulties.

The Nepalese Himalaya, one of the most active regions within the Himalayan Mountain belt, is characterized by a thick succession of Miocene age Siwalik sedimentary rocks deposited at its foreland basin. To date, much of its tectonic evolution, including exhumation in the Nepalese Siwalik, is poorly understood. This study of a quantitative analysis of the bedrock river parameters should provide crucial information regarding tectonic activities in the area. The study investigated geomorphic parameters of river longitudinal profiles from 54 watersheds within the Siwalik section of the Nepalese Himalaya, for the first time. A total of 140 bedrock rivers from these watersheds were selected using stream power-law function and 30-meter resolution ASTER DEM. The quantitative data from the river longitudinal profiles were integrated with published exhumation ages. Results of this study show, first, a presence of major and minor knickpoints, with a total of 305 knickpoints identified, of which 180 were major knickpoints and the rest were minor knickpoints. Further classifications of knickpoints were based on structures (lineaments extracted from SRTM DEM), lithology, and possible uplift. Second, the Normalized Steepness index (ksn) values exhibited a range from 5.3 to 140.6. Third, the concavity index of streams in the study area ranged from as low as -12.1 to as high as 31.1 and the values were consistently higher upstream of the knickpoints. Finally, integration of the river profile data with the published exhumation ages show that the regions with a high ksn value correspond to the regions with higher incision and, therefore, are likely to have high uplift. The presence of a break in ksn in the eastern section of the study area suggests that the incision is likely accelerated by Main Frontal Thrust (MFT) movements. Erosion of the thrust sheet could have influenced the rapid uplift of the Siwalik due to isostatic processes. Thus, the timing of the source-region exhumation and its rate suggests that MFT-related tectonics, and/or climate processes, likely influenced the landscape evolution of the study area. The results of this study should help in comprehending the neo-tectonic deformation of the Nepalese Himalaya.

Numerical modelling currently cannot accurately reproduce the onshore-offshore transport asymmetry observed on gravel beaches. The role of the impulsive pressure response generated by plunging waves has been hypothesised to aid mobilisation of sediment, and thus may contribute to transport asymmetry. This process is not currently included in models. Laboratory tests were conducted across a range of wave conditions to investigate the role of plunging wave-breaker impacts on the mobilisation of sediment of gravel beaches. Pressure records were obtained at positions close to the plunging impact locations, to monitor the localised pressures that lead to sediment mobilisation. The correction of the recorded pressure to the bed surface, for further analysis, was achieved through a two stage approach. Adoption of a new technique for separating the pressure records into two components, each determined by different processes is presented. Each component is then corrected to the bed surface with the application of a pragmatic prediction of the experienced attenuation. Data covering a wide range of Iribarren values was assessed, and the impact pressure was parameterised against the wave-breaker type. This procedure identified a potential peak in the impact pressure-Iribarren space in the plunging breaker region, consistent with the previous hypothesis. Comparison of cross-shore profile records provides further limited evidence that morphological prediction fails to reproduce specific characteristics associated with profiles generated under plunging breaker action. Finally, a brief discussion is provided on how the role of the additional pressure generated under plunging impacts can be incorporated into future numerical models.

The Cardiac Profile, a pattern of serum enzyme changes seen within seventy-two hours after an AMI, is diagnostic aid for detecting occurrence of infarcts. The effects of exercise stress on the Cardiac Profile aid clinicians in avoiding diagnostic errors in patients immediately after exercise. Five male volunteers ran from six to ten miles. Serum enzyme levels were monitored serially three days before and five days after stress. Enzyme activity was determined spectrophotometrically and electrophoretically. Significant increases in total CPK and LDH were seen. An LDH 'one-two flip' occurred eight hours after exercise. No MB-CPK was found following the run.